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HCA treated for serious burns after performing fire-eating act for charity

Fellow healthcare professionals rushed to her aid at the NHS’ Got Talent show in Winchester
Winchester Theatre Royal

Fellow healthcare professionals rushed to her aid at the NHS’ Got Talent show in Winchester


Theatre Royal Winchester. Picture: Google

A healthcare assistant was hospitalised with serious burns after taking part in a fire-eating act at a fundraising talent show.

The HCA, Kristy Cullum, was injured during the NHS' Got Talent show at the Theatre Royal Winchester on 8 June.

Fellow healthcare professionals who were in the audience rushed to Ms Cullum’s aid, along with staff from the theatre.

Her employer, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said she is being treated by Salisbury District Hospital’s specialist burns service and is in a stable condition.

Swift action

Deryck Newland, chief executive of Live Theatre Winchester Trust, which runs the theatre, said that, following initial treatment at the site, Ms Cullum was able to walk to a waiting ambulance.

‘This was an upsetting incident for everyone and we wish the individual involved a full and speedy recovery,’ he added.

‘Our team acted swiftly and deserve great credit for doing everything they could to manage the situation professionally and calmly.’

The show, which was held to raise money for the Winchester Hospice Appeal, was halted after the accident.

Incident review

In a statement, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was assisting the theatre in its review of the incident.

‘Our thoughts are with our colleague and we all wish her a quick recovery,’ the spokesperson added.

‘We are in contact with her family and have offered them our support.’

Offering aftercare 

The trust is also offering support sessions for anyone affected by the accident, which will take place at Royal Hampshire County Hospital and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital in the next few days.

Anyone affected should contact engagement@hhft.nhs.uk for more details.

Ms Cullum’s colleagues have also set up a JustGiving crowdfunding page to raise money to support her and her family.


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